FORMER UNC star Eric Montross has died at the age of 52, his family announced.
The Tar Heel died on December 17 surrounded by loved ones.
He battled cancer since March of this year before he succumbed to the illness.
The former NBA player won the 1993 NCAA championship with UNC.
His wife and three children thanked supporters in a statement and asked for privacy.
Read our Eric Montross death blog for the latest updates…
NBA star’s good deeds
Eric Montross headlined many philanthropic endeavors throughout his life.
He co-founded an organization called Vaccine Ambassadors, which distributed vaccines across the world to those in need.
He also launched the Eric Montross Fathers Day Basketball Camp which raised over $1 million for the UNC Children’s hospital.
Eric built a family
Eric Montross is survived by his wife Laura.
The couple married in 1994.
He and Laura share three children: Sarah, Andrew, and Megan.
UNC issues statement
UNC has issued a statement following the death of Eric Montross.
“Eric was a great player and accomplished student, but the impacts he made on our community went way beyond the basketball court,” the statement read.
“He was a man of faith, a tremendous father, husband and son, and one of the most recognizable ambassadors of the University and Chapel Hill.”
‘He couldn’t have been nicer’
The Tar Heel community is mourning the death of Eric Montross.
His friend took to X, formerly known as Twitter:
“I 1st met Eric Montross in 1990, he couldn’t have been nicer.
“I saw him again when I took this picture of him and my son a couple of years ago at the Final Four, again, couldn’t have been nicer.
He continued: “Cancer is the absolute worst, and it’s taken another good one. Here’s to you, Eric!”
Remarkable post-retirement career
Eric Montross retired from the NBA in 2002.
Since his retirement, Montross worked as a radio analyst for UNC games for 18 seasons. His voice became synonymous with UNC basketball.
He also worked for the Rams Club; the fundraising sector of UNC’s athletic department.
Devastated fans pay tribute
Eric Montross’ fans have taken to social media to mourn the UNC and NBA legend.
“Honestly he is the reason I went to UNC and fell in love with Carolina basketball, will be missed,” one fan said.
“One of my childhood heroes and an absolutely wonderful analyst and I’m sure a better man. Rest in Peace 00,” another fan said.
“God Bless you Big Grits, you brought so much joy to our family over the years,” another fan said with a picture of his number attached.
NBA career
The NCAA star was selected ninth overall in the 1994 NBA draft by the Boston Celtics.
Montross also played with the Dallas Mavericks, New Jersey Nets, Philadelphia 76ers, Detroit Pistons, and Toronto Raptors.
He spent eight years in the NBA before he retired.
Eric’s early career
Eric Montross was a former NBA player from Indianapolis, Indiana.
He began his professional career playing for the North Carolina Tar Heels from 1990 until 1994.
Montross helped take his team to the NCAA Championship in 1993, where they took home the winning cup.
Family issues statement through university
Following the news of his death, Eric’s family issued a statement through the University of North Carolina.
“His family is grateful for the tremendous support and the truly overwhelming love expressed by so many people as he battled with his signature determination and grace.
“To know Eric was to be his friend, and the family knows that the ripples from the generous, thoughtful way that he lived his life will continue in the lives of the many people he touched with his deep and sincere kindness.”
Eric Montross dead
Former UNC basketball star Eric Montross has died at the age of 52 following a nine-month battle with cancer.
His family announced this morning that he died on December 17th, surrounded by loved ones.
